Andoni Iraola is set to become Liverpool’s new head coach after accepting the opportunity to lead the club into a new era.
The Spaniard quickly emerged as the overwhelming favourite to replace Arne Slot, who was dismissed on Saturday following a disappointing 2025-26 campaign.
Sporting director Richard Hughes delivered the news to Slot before the club confirmed the end of his two-year spell at Anfield.
Slot is understood to have been shocked by the decision, with discussions ongoing over the final year of his contract.
Hughes, who appointed Iraola at Bournemouth in 2023, was the driving force behind Liverpool’s pursuit of the 43-year-old. He believes Iraola is the ideal candidate to restore a more aggressive and dynamic style of football.
Iraola and Hughes held talks on Tuesday to finalise the details of the move, with the former Bournemouth boss expected to sign a two-year contract alongside his coaching staff of Tommy Elphick, Shaun Cooper, Pablo de la Torre and Tom Webber.
Liverpool also considered Stuttgart head coach Sebastian Hoeneß and Lens manager Pierre Sage, but Iraola was always viewed as the leading candidate.
The club wanted the appointment completed before the World Cup begins on June 11, with a busy summer ahead. Iraola will be eager to get to work before players return for pre-season training in early July.
There has been speculation that former Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcântara could join the coaching staff, while recently retired James Milner also has admirers within the club.
No decisions have been made, however, and Andoni Iraola will have the final say on any additions. The Basque coach leaves Bournemouth after guiding the club into European competition for the first time in their history.
His focus now turns to Liverpool and a squad rebuild that could see several changes this summer. The Reds have been linked with Inter Milan wing-back Denzel Dumfries, although the Dutch international now appears destined for Real Madrid, while RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande remains a target.
Iraola could be officially unveiled before the end of the week. His first match in charge is expected to come against Nashville on July 25, before home friendlies against Monaco on August 9 and Como on August 16.
The appointment represents a significant moment for Hughes and FSG chief executive of football Michael Edwards, who have been tasked with shaping Liverpool’s future.
Following an end-of-season review after the club finished 24 points and 23 goals worse off than their 2024-25 title-winning campaign, the expectation is that Iraola will quickly transform Liverpool into one of the Premier League’s most formidable sides.
Read more: Christopher Baah Bonsu earns maiden FIFA World Cup call-up with Ghana
Andoni Iraola agrees to replace Arne Slot as Liverpool head coach